NEWUnite and Conquer & Shalaa Colts Fly at Hawkesbury
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
The NSW breeze up session ahead of next month’s Inglis Ready2Race Sale at Riverside was completed on Friday, with eye-catching breezes from the progeny of stallions like Snitzel, Capitalist, Justify, Blue Point, Hellbent, Pierata, Cosmic Force amongst others. A Shalaa x Tuusula colt (lot 226) and Unite and Conquer x Sukhar colt (lot 207) recorded the fastest times, both clocking 10.36 seconds over 200m. The Shalaa colt, a grandson of Miss Finland and a half-brother to Stakes-placed 2YO Crockett, will be offered by Blake Ryan Racing at the Ready2Race Sale on Tuesday, October 10. “He was very slick today,” Ryan said of the well-related colt who breezed on the grass at Hawkesbury. “He’s a big, strong horse and he’s an Inglis Easter yearling, the client purchased him and the Snitzel x You’re So Good (lot 15) from the sale and they’ve done all their work together. Blake Ryan has an exciting line up of twenty-two 2YOs for this year’s Ready2Race Sale, by a variety of proven and young sires. “It’s the best, strongest draft that I’ve had under my name, the quality of the bloodstock matches what’s on paper,” Ryan said. The Unite and Conquer x Sukhar colt – which breezed in 10.36 – was one of three 2YOs that galloped for Pendgerast Thoroughbreds on the synthetic track. “I knew he would run a good, strong gallop, but I didn’t think he’d be that sharp,” Ryan Pendergast said. “He’s a nice, big horse that we bought out of the HTBA Sale, he’s a horse that I think is going to continue to grow… I was also very happy with the Shalaa x Emancipationist colt (lot 81) which ran the second fastest time of 10.39 seconds.” With his first crop having just turned 2, Kingstar Farm's former gun 2YO Unite and Conquer is standing the 2023 season for $5,500 inc GST.
First season sire Unite and Conquer is throwing precocious types (pic: kingstarfarm.com.au)
NEWJustify 2YO Filly Catches the Eye at Hawkesbury
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
A filly was amongst the most impressive breezers last Friday at Hawkesbury’s Inglis Ready2Race trials, with the Justify x Tingu filly (lot 222), stopping the clock in 10.44 seconds on the synthetic track. The filly is being prepared by Warwick Farm trainer Rob Quinn and will be presented by Valiant Stud. “She is all quality this filly,” Quinn said. “Everything she does impresses me, she’s a typical Justify, they’re leggy but they have great minds and they want to please you, they lick the feed bin and get out and love their work. She’s obviously out of a well-bred mare and she looks to be a real 2YO to me but with the scope to progress into her 3YO season.” Quinn revealed, “We had a Justify in our draft last year out of Peaceful Sea and he [Pleasure Cruise] just broke his maiden on debut in Western Australia for Bob Peters. He was a nice horse and so is this filly, she’s very classy…” To view the Inglis Ready2Race catalogue and all footage of completed breeze ups at Hawkesbury, Seymour and Cambridge, CLICK HERE. It’s been an exciting start to the Spring for graduates of the Ready2Race Sale, with popular galloper Democracy Manifest primed for a Gr1 Epsom Handicap start this Saturday, following a dominant win in the Gr3 Cameron Handicap at Newcastle, plus Libertad adding another Group 3 to his record in the San Domenico Stakes.
NEWCannon Hayes Stud Gathers Industry Respect
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
Having sold highly talented race mare Jamaea (Headwater) via the Inglis Digital platform recently for $1,025m to Yulong Stud, Dave Morrisey's Cannon Hayes Stud have been entrusted by the owners to offer Gr2 winner Expat (Makfi-Utmost Caution, by Galileo) as Lot 147 – see below – and the impeccably bred mare Monte Invincible (I Am Invincible-Listen Here, by Elusive Quality) as Lot 171 at this week's online sale. Offering a range of services, Cannon Hayes Stud is only in its infancy, but to be given the opportunity to offer such quality stock is clearly a feather in their cap. Producing their first stakes winning graduate recently, the New Zealand raced Itza Charm (Charm Spirit) was born and raised at the farm before being sent to New Zealand and consigned through the draft of Woburn Farm. Winning the Listed Ryder Stakes at just his third start, the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained gelding has won two of his four starts to date. Another runner that the farm has high hopes for is the John Sargent-trained Mountain Guest (Tarzino). Second in the Gr3 Adrian Knox Stakes at three, the now 4YO mare was always going to need a trip to really come into her own but came back this campaign winning her first two starts over 1400m and 1600m, suggesting the Spring carnival could see the mare step up in grade. Not known as the punter's friend at all, recording seven places from his first 12 starts including a third in the Gr2 Todman Stakes behind Sejardan, Cannon Hayes' yearling graduate Shalatin (Shalaa) was eventually sold via the Inglis Digital platform to Singapore connections, with the gelding making his debut recently at the Kranji course, winning impressively by 6-lengths.
NEWRQ Unveils Exciting 2023-24 Program Changes
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
Racing Queensland has announced programming amendments to its 2023-24 thoroughbred calendar, reports racingqueensland.com.au. As part of an initial trial, Saturday metropolitan meetings will henceforth be run as 10-race cards from October 7 and will continue until early April before being reviewed. The initiative will deliver $300,000 in additional prize money, with the new Saturday race to transfer from existing Wednesday metropolitan meetings and to increase in stakes from 38,000 to $50,000 per race. In total, RQ intends to conduct 25 meetings as 10-race cards during the trial period. Having consulted with a range of stakeholders including the Australian Trainers' Association, Queensland Jockeys' Association and its metropolitan clubs, RQ CEO Jason Scott said the decision had been made to increase returns to participants whilst simultaneously maximising wagering revenue. "At the same time, we're mindful of not overburdening our trainers and jockeys, so it's imperative that we do all that we can to truncate our start and finishing times during this period," said Scott. In addition, RQ will conduct a two-month trial throughout January and February at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club for its Sunday meetings to be run as twilight meetings. Finally, RQ will reduce the number of Saturday TAB meetings it conducts in the New Year, with a view to reallocating them to alternate days on the racing calendar. Scott explained, "By reallocating the meetings to days when we have little to no product, we can secure better coverage on SKY1, whilst ensuring that we continue to deliver payments to participants."
Standalone Sheeza Belter October Virtual Auction
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
Outstanding racemare Sheeza Belter (Gold Standard) will be offered as a world class breeding prospect at a special stand-alone Magic Millions virtual auction early next month. A Group 1-winning juvenile and multiple Group winner, the just-turned 4YO would be a highlight addition to any broodmare band around the world. Sheeza Belter, purchased by former trainer and part-owner Justin Warwick for $50,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale from breeder Mt Hallowell Stud, established herself a star right across Australia from just 15 lifetime starts. As a juvenile she kicked away her career with Luke Fernie in Western Australia where she produced a whirlwind finish to win the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (RL) at Pinjarra. Held in such high regard by connections she was immediately transferred to the Peter and Paul Snowden stable in Sydney where she quickly became one of Australia's most exciting youngsters. After a couple of runs, including a Group 3 third on heavy tracks, Sheeza Belter relished being back on top of the ground sweeping the Gr2 QTC Sires' Produce Stakes and the Gr1 JJ Atkins Stakes. She trained on at three to beat her more seasoned rivals in the Gr2 Hot Danish Stakes - sprinting home under William Pike to defeat a swag of group stars. Earlier this year Sheeza Belter went close to notching another Group 1 success when she went within a head of winning the Group 1 Coolmore Classic, a breath away from winner Espiona, a highly rated Sydney-based mare who just last Saturday won the Gr2 Golden Pendant and is being regarded an Everest prospect. A daughter of Sebring's Group-winning son Gold Standard (Widden Stud), Sheeza Belter is from the multiple city winner Saxabelle – herself a half sister to the dam of stakes winners Special Reward, Showy Chloe and El Rijes. With earnings of close to $2 million, Sheeza Belter will be offered for sale virtually via the same online bidding platform used at all Magic Millions live auctions, with auctioneer Clint Donovan presiding over the sale process. She will go under the hammer from 3pm (AEST) on Thursday, October 5.
Sheza Belter started her career in WA (pic: magicmillions.com.au)
WA Industry Contributes $1 Billion to State Economy
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
The Western Australia racing industry's contribution to the State's coffers has soared past $1 billion. A new report, commissioned by Racing and Wagering WA, also reveals almost half of the $1.33b economic value racing provided was generated in regional areas of the State. This represents a huge increase from $970 million in the 2018-19 season, with employment and participation in the sport also rising. Racing and Wagering WA chief executive Ian Edwards said the report on the 2021-22 season demonstrated the strength of thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing and the community value beyond the financial benefits. "The involvement of about 25,000 people in an industry worth well over $1 billion a year only shows part of the contribution racing brings to WA," Edwards said. "Close to 50 per cent of the economic value is generated in regional parts of the State and flows back to those local communities. Many communities across WA depend on racing as a source of social connection as well as income, particularly in rural areas. Race clubs financially support around 200 community groups or charities and club facilities are often used as shared space for other community groups as well as being available as evacuation centres in times of crisis." Edwards noted, "The industry directly and indirectly sustains more than 10,000 full-time equivalent jobs. However, racing is more than a livelihood for many stable hands, kennel attendants, trainers, breeders, drivers and jockeys, it's life." The report, prepared by national consultancy IER, found WA racing directly supported 4948 full-time equivalent jobs, up from 4546 in 2018-19, and indirectly supported 5301 full-time equivalent jobs.
Amelia's Jewel Primed for Friday's Stock Stakes
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
Trainer Simon Miller was pleased with Amelia's Jewel (Siyouni-Bumbasina, by Canford Cliffs) after she galloped at Moonee Valley on Monday, according to punters.com.au. "I thought she was good, professional, I thought she might've floated up the straight because she can do that, she did that up the straight at Flemington but she stuck to her guns and ran through the line, the last furlong was good, like 11.6 (secs) on her own, usually she can put the cue in the rack but she ran through the line, I was happy," Miller said. "I know race day pressure is totally different but she was good and Frosty (Damian Lane) gave her a good report when he got off, said she quickened up nice, recovered well and handled the track. Good horses get around The Valley, Ascot is pretty tight at home, we've only got a short straight and she rips up there pretty quick, I think she'll be fine, she can adapt and adjust." Miller commented, "I must admit I didn't think she'd clock off race day at Flemington but she switched right off, that was a bit of a surprise, but around here she won't have time to switch off, it will be good, slingshot in and see where we end up." Amelia's Jewel won the Gr2 Let's Elope Stakes first up this spring at her most recent start and her record is now eight wins and two seconds from ten starts with earnings over $2.5 million. "She bounced out of the first up run really good, had a bit of a puff, so there's improvement to come, her coat isn't through yet, it's getting there but it's not our grand final on Friday," Miller said. That comment might provide hope for connections of her Stock's Stakes competition.
Alligator in Demand at Flemington Open Stable Day
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
Fresh from claiming his sixth Group 1 victory, Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) stood as the main attraction at the recent open day hosted by the Victoria Racing Club and Flemington trainers, reports racenet.com.au. Over 400 enthusiasts of horse racing and equestrian sports explored a dozen participating stables, featuring renowned names like Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Lindsay Park, Godolphin, Anthony and Sam Freedman, Mark and Levi Kavanagh, and Danny O'Brien. Alligator Blood (All Too Hard-Lake Superior, by Encosta De Lago) is gearing up for the Gr1 Turnbull Stakes on October 7 at Flemington, followed by the $5 million Cox Plate scheduled for October 28 at The Valley. Lindsay Park proudly showcased their star performer, the four-time Group 1 champion, Mr Brightside (Bullbars), while Godolphin treated visitors to an interactive experience. QR code posters placed throughout James Cummings's stable allowed attendees to access race replays of Anamoe and In Secret, as well as information on stablehand roles and Godolphin's program for retired racehorses, Lifetime Care. Lifetime Care ambassador Hartnell was a crowd favourite, drawing as much attention as any of Cummings's racehorses at Flemington. Leigh Jordon, the executive general manager of racing at the Victoria Racing Club, expressed his gratitude to the trainers for their support and hospitality. "It gives people an opportunity to see behind the scenes, get in touch with the horses and for the trainers to open up for business and try and sell a share in a horse," said Jordan. Flemington boasts a total of 17 racing stables and is home to over 600 racehorses in training.
Lim's Kosciuszko Conquers Raffles Cup Mountain
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
Now a six-time winner at stakes level, Lim's Kosciuszko (Kermadec-Jaquetta, by Keeper) has amassed S$1.87m in prize-money – the equivalent of around NZ$2.3m, reports nzb.co.nz. He was offered by his breeders Trelawney Stud at Karaka 2019 and again at the Ready to Run Sale but was passed in with reserves of $75,000 and $60,000 respectively. On paper, the only way Lim's Kosciuszko's all-conquering form could come under threat in the Raffles Cup was a nightmare run from his wide draw. Jockey Wong Chin Chuen quickly eliminated that possibility, sliding across to settle in a perfect position in fourth with cover. Lim's Kosciuszko was doing things effortlessly coming into the home straight and looked to have the race at his mercy from the moment his jockey pushed the button. He dashed to the front with 200 metres remaining, then was eased down through the final few strides to complete another easy win by a length and a quarter. "Today he went as good as he ever did and from gate 11, it proves even more that the horse has so much ability himself and the confidence level is very high," Wong said. The Raffles Cup was the first leg of Singapore's Triple Crown Series. The Queen Elizabeth Cup is the second leg on October 14, followed by the Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) on November 11.
Lim's Kosciuszko made short work of the Raffles Cup (pic: supplied)
Romantic Warrior Recovering Well from Flight
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
Trainer Danny Shum is happy with Romantic Warrior (Acclamation-Folk Melody, by Street Cry) after he galloped at Werribee on Saturday, reports racing.com. "His gallop was OK," Shum told the South China Morning Post. "He's not 100 per cent yet, but he's getting better and better. I'm not too worried. He's not eating as well as before, but he's not dropping weight. That's the good news. He was 1157 pounds (525kg) this afternoon - exactly the same weight as he was for his last start." Romantic Warrior is at $2.30 for the Turnbull Stakes and at $3.50 for the Cox Plate with Sportsbet. A cult hero in Hong Kong, Romantic Warrior has won ten of his fourteen starts and was second last start in the Gr1 Standard Chater Champions & Chater Cup Cup back in May 2023. An irish-bred son of Acclamation, the 300,000 guineas Tattersalls October yearling graduate is a Top 2 finisher in 6 Group 1 races. In the top handful of the world's highest rated racehorses, he will likely gallop at Flemington next Sunday morning.
Romantic Warrior is favourite for the Cox Plate (pic: hkjc.com)
Key Changes Made to Kiwi Black Type Races
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
The New Zealand Pattern Committee (NZPC) has completed its annual review of Black Type racing in New Zealand, with several changes made to the schedule of feature races for 2023-24. The total number of black-type races has been reduced by eight to 142 races. This is due to a downward trend in the overall number of races being run every season, leading to an increasingly disproportionate number of races holding Black Type status. "A significant decline in the number of races run in recent seasons has seen the New Zealand Pattern race percentage increase to over 6 percent," the NZPC said in its report. "This was generating international concern and affecting the perceived quality of the New Zealand Pattern." The NZPC formed a subcommittee to review the pattern with an aim of reducing that percentage to around 5 percent or less, which is the international norm. The eight races that have lost their Listed status are the Staphanos Classic (1950m), the Feilding Cup (2100m), the Levin Stakes (1200m), the Newmarket Handicap (1200m), the Timaru Cup (1600m), the New Zealand St Leger (2600m), the Riverton Cup (2147m) and the Easter Cup (1600m).
Gr1 Levin Classic Returns to January 13 Slot
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
Meanwhile, New Zealand's Pattern Committee (NZPC) has reacted to a possible downgrade of the Gr1 Levin Classic (1600m) status by returning the event to its previous midsummer slot which will see it run at Trentham on January 13. According to loveracing.nz, both last year and this year's renewals of the 3YO feature were staged on New Zealand Oaks Day in March. "This race has struggled in recent years due to the impact of the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) in its former January slot," the report said. "It was hoped that the move to March would attract the top 3YOs that were not aimed at the Derby (2400m) or Oaks (2400m), but they tended to be aimed at Australian targets instead. As an alternative to being downgraded, the NZPC offered a return to the former January date. The APC (Asian Pattern Committee) unanimously voted that the race remain at Group 1 status under a warning, subject to returning to its former January date. A further failure to meet the tolerance threshold would very likely see the race being downgraded." In a direct swap with the Levin Classic, the Gr2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) has been moved from January to March. To act as a better lead-in to the Levin Classic, the Gr2 Auckland Guineas (1600m) will switch from New Year's Day to Boxing Day and will be run over 1400m.
Romancing The Stone won the most recent Levin Classic (pic: Race Images Peter Rubery)
Purton Picks Up Secret Everest Slot for Godolphin
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
Hong Kong Champion Jockey Zac Purton will ride Godolphin's In Secret (I Am Invincible-Eloping, by Choisir) in The Everest, reported smh.com.au. "I have watched this race build for the past six years and have wanted to be part of it and this is my first opportunity to come back for it," Purton said. "On television, the atmosphere comes through as electric, and I can remember during Covid watching it and saying this is amazing, I just want to be there. It has quickly become one of the races every jockey in the world wants to ride in. To get a ride for Godolphin in it, on one of the best sprinters in Australia for the 12 months, means I'm coming down on a real winning chance. It didn't take me long to say yes when James rang and asked me to ride In Secret and he looks to have timed her preparation perfectly to peak at 1200m in a couple of weeks." In Secret has won six of her twelve starts and was third, then fourth in her two starts so far this preparation. "Our Zac was in discussions right up to the end, which is a credit to what he has achieved in such a short time," trainer James Cummings said. "But when you can get a jockey with the experience of Zac Purton in one of the biggest of races of the year, it won the day. We have had In Secret at the top of our Everest list from the start of the preparation and even though she hasn't won her two runs, they have been excellent building toward The Everest and the 1200m, which is her best trip."
In Secret will be partnered with Zac Purton (pic: Mark Gatt)
Hugh Bowman Unseats Purton from California Spangle
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
Meanwhile, trainer Tony Cruz has announced Hugh Bowman will ride California Spangle (Starspangledbanner-Pearlitas Passion, by High Chaparral) in next month's Gr2 Sha Tin Trophy, reports scmp.com. "Zac's picking and choosing his rides. He's wanting to see how Beauty Eternal goes first before he decides, but we've got to confirm a jockey. We want someone who'll stay with the horse," Cruz said. Purton partnered California Spangle in all eight of his starts last season, with their four victories for the campaign including success in the Gr1 Hong Kong Mile. California Spangle has won ten of his fourteen starts and was third last start in the Gr1 Champions Mile last autumn. Bowman has been a revelation in Hong Kong of late, and has had a particularly strong start to the season which sees him leading on 9 wins over reigning champion Zac Purton who is on 6 wins.
Impressive Victory for Tivaci 3YO at Flemington
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
Wolfy continued his progression in Melbourne on Sunday afternoon when he accounted for a competitive line-up of 3YOs over 1420m at Flemington, reports loveracing.nz. The Nick Ryan-trained Wolfy (Tivaci-She’s Popular, by Savabeel) had been a tidy maiden victor at Sale at his previous appearance and continued his winning way in style. Regular rider Blake Shinn let events unfold in front of him aboard Wolfy at the tail of the field before he angled wide at the top of the straight and the colt lengthened stride impressively to score going away. “We knew he was going to be back in the last three or four and come on strongly. He’s certainly got a lot of ability and this is his first preparation so there is a lot of improvement to come,” Ryan said. The trainer suggested he would let the dust settle on Wolfy’s latest performance before he makes a decision on the immediate future, but there is the prospect of heading to the Gr1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) or giving him extra time and looking at autumn options. “He still wants to wander around a bit and is learning so it is exciting. The autumn would really be his time so maybe the Australian Guineas (Gr1, 1600m) in March could be his race.” Wolfy’s Gr1 All Aged Stakes-winning sire Tivaci (see below) is another promising son at stud by High Chaparral whose influence is omnipresent. He stands at Waikato Stud.
Waterhouse/Bott Take Out Sydney Juvenile Trials
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
With just two trials on Monday morning at Warwick Farm for the 2YOs, the powerful Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott yard provided the winners of both. Purchased for $400,000 from the draft of Yarraman Park Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, The Three Hundred (I Am Invincible-Sassy ’n’ Smart, by Smart Missile) may have only trialled against another three runners, but it was the manner in which he which he quickened and held off the challenge of the runner up Already Blue (Blue Point) to win over 812m. Recording a slightly quicker time in the next heat, juvenile filly Southern Charm (Shalaa-In a While, by Redoute’s Choice) jumped away well before going forward to lead. While wobbling slightly around the home turn which allowed stablemate Betta Being Single (Better Than Ready) to challenge along the inside, the Arrowfield Stud graduate kicked on too well, pulling clear, holding off the late charge of the Marc Conners’-trained Micro Magic (Microphone), with Betta Being Single finishing in third. While neither of the winners are nominated for Saturday’s Breeders’ Plate or Gimcrack Stakes, the stable looks set to be well represented with eight nominations amongst the two juvenile Group 3 races.
Dundeel 2YO & 3YO Group 1 Feat a Big Deal
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
Saturday’s sensational off-the-canvas effort by Militarize (Dundeel-Amerindia, by Dubawi) to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the Gr1 Golden Rose at Rosehill Gardens has elevated his sire into rarefied air. In running an identical time of 1:22.24 for the 1400 metres that was posted by fellow Arrowfield Stud stallion The Autumn Sun (Redoute’s Choice) when winning the 2018 Golden Rose, Dundeel (High Chaparral-Stareel, by Zabeel) became the only active Australasian sire of two colts, Militarize & Castelvecchio, that have won Group 1 races at both 2 and 3. Dundeel’s seven elite winners have now compiled 11 Group 1 wins from 1200 to 2500 metres. Militarize is the fourth Arrowfield-sired Golden Rose winner in the past seven years, after Snitzel’s sons Trapeze Artist (2017) & In The Congo (2021) and The Autumn Sun (by Redoute’s Choice). Providing in-demand jockey Joao Moreira with a third consecutive Group 1 victory from his only three rides on the boom colt, Militarize has taken a further big step after earning a 117 rating alongside Snitzel’s son Shinzo at the head of the Australian 2YO Classification. Bred by Jonathan Munz’s GSA Bloodstock, Militarize is the second foal of Amerindia, a daughter of Dubawi and the French Group 1 winner Satwa Queen, from the family of Irish Group 1 2YO winner Lucky Vega. Offered for sale by Bhima Thoroughbreds at Magic Millions, Militarize was purchased by Newgate Bloodstock, China Horse Club & Trilogy Racing for $550,000 and sent to Chris Waller who will now prepare the colt for the $3 million Gr1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on 14 October. Amerindia has a yearling colt by Snitzel and is due to foal to Dundeel next month.
Militarize and Moreira combined yet again for Gr1 glory (pic: Steve Hart)
Flawless Badel Ride Has Lor Happy and Healthy
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
Zoustar’s 7YO gelding Healthy Happy has bounced back to winning form by claiming Hong Kong’s Gr3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. According to racingnews.hkjc.com, a belated reunion with jockey Alexis Badel delivered a drought-breaking triumph. Badel has been aboard in three of Healthy Happy’s five Hong Kong wins – the 2021 Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), the 2022 Gr3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m) and Sunday’s HK$4.2 million feature – but the Frenchman has not always been available to partner the seven-year-old. A flawless pace-setting display allowed Healthy Happy to lead from start to finish, clocking 1m 21.93s, to defeat Circuit Stellar and The Golden Scenery. “He (Badel) controlled the pace very good. I’m very happy because this horse has gone a long time without winning,” said trainer Frankie Lor of the 15-race losing streak. “First-up is always best for him. Last season, he was beaten by a good horse, California Spangle, in this race first-up. This season, also first-up, he won.” Lor noted, “There are not many 1400m races for horses with high ratings (107), so maybe I’m looking at 1600m races. The Sha Tin Trophy on 15 October may be too close for him. The Jockey Club Mile on 19 November may be his next start. That would give him more time to rest and return to the races fresher.” Lor and Badel crowned a productive afternoon when Happy Together snared the Class 3 HKU Faculties Of Arts And Education Handicap (1600m).
Snitzel Leads 2023-24 Black Type Sire-of-Sires
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
A maiden Black Type winner by Widden Stud stallion Trapeze Artist a week ago has further consolidated Snitzel's position at the top of the 2023-24 Black Type Stallion table by number of individual sire-sons that have sired a stakes performer this season. The result ensured that Arrowfield Stud's Snitzel (Redoute's Choice) remains the only stallion with five sons on the board to date. In addition to Trapeze Artist, each of Invader, Shamus Award, Russian Revolution and Time For War have been amongst the points. There are three sires-of-sires snapping at Snitzel's heels with four current sons on the board. They comprise Danehill (Al Maher, Exceed and Excel, Redoute's Choice and Kodiac), Fastnet Rock (Rothesay, Awesome Rock, Hinchinbrook and The Bold One), High Chaparral (Dundeel, So You Think, Toronado and Wrote) and Lonhro (Pierro, Exosphere, Impending and Sessions). Each boasting three are Galileo (Frankel, Churchill and Nathaniel), Redoute's Choice (Snitzel, The Autumn Sun and Scissor Kick) and Street Cry (Street Boss, Pride of Dubai and Per Incanto). Notwitstanding that some stallions are too young to have a high sire-of-sires head count, it's obviously early days in the season. In 2022-23, unsurprisingly given his massive input to the breed, Danehill left his mark with nine individual sons to have sired a Black Type performer in Australia, as did Exceed and Excel. However, there were four stallions with double figure representation, one of which highlights the ever-growing northern hemisphere influence on Australia's staying feature races. Fastnet Rock had a massive fourteen individual sons involved, his old arch-rival Redoute's Choice had thirteen, and Snitzel had ten. The surprise package was Galileo with a dozen sire-sons of Australian stakes performers. They were: Adelaide, Australia, Churchill, Frankel, Gleneagles, Highland Reel, Intello, Nathaniel, New Approach, Noble Mission, Rip Van Winkle and Teofilo. And, there was Galileo, himself, who had six individual Black Type performers in Australia during 2022-23. All of this information is easily accessible by clicking on the menu bars at the top of this page.
Sunshine In Paris is a Gr1 winner by Snitzel's son Invader (pic: Steve Hart)
Spring Classics Previews Showcase Potential Stars
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
A host of Melbourne Cup Carnival candidates put themselves forward at Flemington Racecourse on Sunday as Spring Classics Preview Day lived up to its billing as a stepping stone for future stars. With the Melbourne Cup Carnival fast approaching, finding Flemington form can be crucial and, for Sunday’s winners, they now boast a victory at Headquarters ahead of Australia’s premier race week. For Penfolds Victoria Derby Preview (1800m) winner Gold Bullion and Kennedy Oaks Preview(1800m) victress Harlow Mist, success on Sunday has earned them an automatic berth into their respective Melbourne Cup Carnival features. A big weekend for Flemington-based trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott continued as Gold Bullion (Savabeel-Gold Rush, by So You Think) entered Penfolds Victoria Derby calculations with his Preview victory under Blake Shinn. Meanwhile, trainer John Sargent, who won the Kennedy Oaks Preview last year with So Dazzling, is daring to dream of further Oaks glory with Harlow Mist (Contributor-Sila Jasak, by Cullen) after her gutsy win in this year’s Preview with Michael Deein the saddle. Victoria Racing Club (VRC) Chief Executive Steve Rosich said that Spring Classics Preview Day was a fantastic day of racing and he was looking forward to the Melbourne Cup Carnival. “Trainers like John Sargent and the Waterhouse/Bott partnership know what it takes to win our Melbourne Cup Carnival features. They have had success in the Previews before too and I can’t wait to see them back in just over a month for Australia’s greatest race week,” said Rosich.
Ballydoyle Supplements Continuous for Iconic Arc
Tuesday, 26th September 2023
Trainer Aidan O'Brien will supplement Continuous (Heart's Cry-Fluff, by Galileo) for the Gr1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, reports racingpost.com. "It's all about Continuous I'd say," said O'Brien when asked about his potential Arc runner. "Everything looks good with him at the moment and if it is good up until Wednesday, he'll probably be supplemented by the sound of what the lads are saying. Fast or heavy ground, it doesn't matter to him – he has form on all ground." The supplementary fee for the Arc is €120,000, and Continuous comes into the race having won the Gr1 St Leger at his last start. The 3YO colt has won four of his seven starts. O'Brien has a big supporting cast for Arc Day. "Emily Dickinson will go to the Cadran. Unquestionable, who reared up in the stalls here last time, will go for the 2YO race over seven (Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere) and something might go with him. Opera Singer will go to the fillies' race (Prix Marcel Boussac). Jackie Oh, who was second to Joseph's filly (Lumiere Rock) here last time, will go to the Prix de l'Opera. Kyprios won't go, it will be too quick for him and we'll give him time and go back to Ascot."
